Israeli ambassador tours Mormon church sites in downtown Salt Lake

Israel's first female ambassador to the United Nations toured downtown sites of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Monday.

The Honorable Gabriela Shalev took her place at the United Nations two years ago. Despite the challenges of her position, she made many friends in New York City, including Latter-day Saints who invited her to come to Utah.

Shalev toured Temple Square Monday afternoon, according to KSL. She also saw the LDS Church's Welfare Square and humanitarian center. She came, she said, because of friendship.

"We share the human values, and we share the importance of education and the wish to make the world we live in a better place," Shalev said.

"It has been amazing, impressive, I can even say heartbreaking to see the kids, the people in need, that these wonderful people, the Mormons, help," she continued.